The Hempstead County Quorum Court held their October meeting on Thursday. Following the prayer, pledge,and approval of minutes the JP’s moved to the county handbook. The Quorum Court tabled voting on the handbook until a policy can be checked against a change in state law. Handbook Committee Chairman James Griffin a question concerning catastrophic leave. There was also a change suggested that grounds for dismissal should include altering any county check as opposed to just a payroll check. The JP’s approved an appropriation ordinance to allow the county clerk’s office to receive a CTCL grant which the county has been awarded. The JP’s passed 4 amendment ordinances to the county general budget to add in some money to several budgets that were originally cut due to concerns about COVID affecting anticipated revenue. The JP’s approved a resolution to allow the county to enter into an equipment lease-purchase agreement with BancorpSouth. This will allow the county to lease-purchase two dump trucks. 9-1-1 Coordinator Cathy Aaron told the JP’s a full hardware refresh is needed for the 9-1-1 system at a cost of $100,399. Assistant Hope Police Chief Kin Tomlin also spoke to the JP,’s. The JP’s approved the purchase. Treasurer Judy Flowers briefed the JP’s on changes in insurance costs. She noted it’s gone from about $48,000 each month in 2017 to $63,000 monthly in 2019 to $72,000 monthly in 2020. Flowers also noted an issue she has with the insurance. She said she was just making the JP’s aware and noted some officials and employees have also had issues. She said she would like to see a solution or a committee to be formed to deal with these problems. JP Ed Darling noted representatives from the insurance company were there and they responded to Flowers’ claims. Some of this has to do with some changes in companies over the past several years. After the explanation, JP Doris Brown asked about other claims and the representative cited HIPPA restrictions. Judge Crane noted county employees had been notified the representatives were coming to the Quorum Court meeting. One of the representatives was quoted as saying “big pharma is corrupt”. JP David Clayton said it’s a racket. James Griffin asked about anticipated increases in premiums next year (which has been about 12 percent annually). The representative said no one knows but claims nationality have been less because people have stayed away from the doctor due to Covid. The meeting then adjourned.
